If you’re looking to enjoy a pot of tea with scones, cakes and sandwiches, then look no further than Clarinda’s Tea Room. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Edinburgh.
After hiking up Arthur’s Seat first thing in the morning, it was the perfect way to relax and reward ourselves.
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The tea room opened in 1976 and is conveniently located at the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse (which I do recommend you visit if you have time).
They offer a variety of traditional Scottish baked goods, which are prepared fresh each day on the premises. It’s hard to resist not ordering a little of everything from their cake stand.
Clarinda’s also offers a breakfast and lunch menu in addition to their baked goods, which is available for sit in or take away.
We arrived just before 11:00 AM on a Saturday morning and decided to order their Cream Tea, which comes with your choice of a plain or fruit scone served with fresh cream, jam, butter and a pot of their house tea. Needless to say it was delicious and I really enjoyed their house tea.
It wasn’t too long after we finished our scones that we saw one of the servers add a mouthwatering-looking cake to their stand. I inquired about what type o cake it was and proceeded to order myself a slice. It was chocolate cream cake: moist, fresh and absolutely delicious!
The service was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. They had classical music playing softly in the background which was a nice touch.
While it was quiet when we first arrived, the tea room was full by the time we left at 12:30 PM. I recommend getting here early if you’re visiting on a weekend as it’s a small place.
The sign at the front says to seat yourself, so go ahead and find a table, marvel at their cake stand display and don’t come here on a diet – because what’s the fun in that?
If only we discovered this tea room sooner, we would have come here every day during our trip. I can’t wait to visit Edinburgh again someday so I can return to Clarinda’s Tea Room!
Location: 69 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BS
Phone: Tel: 0131 557 1888
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM
Sundays 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM
Winter hours may vary.
Prices: Reasonably priced compared to other afternoon tea places. Cream tea is £3.80 and meals are under £6.00
Best for: Breakfast, lunch, baked goods and tea. Sit in or take away available.
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